PAULANER BRÄUHAUS – Ludwigvorstadt – bayerisch

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The Paulaner Bräuhaus is located in the Ludwigvorstadt district and is a Bavarian restaurant with a very Bavarian ambiance and very friendly service. My companion and I decided to eat there some time ago, as we had driven past it several times and it looked quite inviting from the outside. On our visit, it was quite rainy and icy, so we were glad to be inside and immediately felt comfortable.

As soon as we entered, we were greeted by the staff and invited to choose a table. We had reserved in advance by phone, which I would recommend. While there were still a few tables available, most were already reserved. The restaurant has approximately 20-25 large, sturdy wooden tables, each easily seating 8-10 people. The restaurant boasts high dormer ceilings, large arched windows, tasteful decor, and subdued lighting. Its copper-colored brewing kettles are a rare and eye-catching feature – the beer is brewed on-site, and you can see the kettles up close. Overall, the atmosphere is very cozy and inviting. Although it wasn't particularly crowded during our visit, it also didn't feel very noisy. Restaurants with high ceilings and open spaces often have noise issues – but this one was definitely not one of them.

The service is very friendly. Unfortunately, I've often had the experience in Bavarian restaurants that the service isn't really friendly or attentive. It's different here. The waiters are all young men. Our waiter was only on his second day, so it's understandable that he was a little confused about the order. The menus, including a small separate menu for beef dishes, are already on the tables. The standard menu includes all the usual Bavarian dishes. You can look at the menu here Take a look. There are also numerous salads, appetizers, and delicious-sounding desserts.

For drinks, we opted for a Coke Zero (0.33l) served in a large glass, already poured, for €3.50, and an Adelholzener water (0.5l) for €4.50. The drinks were served quickly, and the water was poured for us. For starters, we each ordered the pumpkin soup with butternut squash, Styrian pumpkin seed oil, and roasted seeds for €5. The soup was served with fresh, soft bread and looked delicious. Unfortunately, it was almost inedible for me, as it tasted almost exclusively of ginger. Ginger wasn't even listed among the ingredients. A little is probably always included, but after three spoonfuls, my mouth was burning with ginger – not very pleasant, and at €5, not exactly a bargain for that amount. My companion also found it too spicy. We even swapped soups, but neither of us could manage it.

For our main courses, we each ordered the Bouf la Mode for €17.50 and a salad. My companion chose the venison sauerbraten with red cabbage and hazelnut spaetzle, but only after ordering did he notice the beef dish with red cabbage and dumplings. He got up again to ask the waiter if he could swap the venison sauerbraten for the beef, which wasn't a problem. However, the sauerbraten was served – the bill still listed the Bouf la Mode (both €17.50). We kept the main course we were served and left it at that. The venison was very tender, the hazelnut spaetzle a bit bland in my opinion, but still edible. The red cabbage was exactly as you'd expect Bavarian red cabbage to be. All in all, a good meal, but at almost €18, quite pricey. I opted for the "Heidi Plate"—a colorful mixed salad with fried goat cheese, honey, and marinated beer-braised pumpkin for €9. However, the bill came to only €8.50. The goat cheese was delicious, nicely browned, and tasted great with the other ingredients. The salad portion was relatively small, but acceptable for the price. I would order it again, but I wouldn't recommend it if you're starving.

We lingered after our meal because the atmosphere was very cozy and inviting, and we felt quite comfortable throughout our visit. We paid €47 including tip via card, but because the main courses had been mixed up, we received a complimentary espresso macchiato, and the waiter repeatedly apologized for the mistake. Overall, it wasn't cheap, and considering the soup wasn't really edible, it felt quite expensive. The best way to get there by public transport is via the U6 subway line (Goetheplatz station) or by city bus (line 58). Parking is available, but you might have to search for a spot.

The restaurant is definitely suitable for a cozy meal for two or a larger group. It's also ideal for client dinners or company parties, provided everyone enjoys Bavarian cuisine. Vegetarian options are available. As mentioned, the portions aren't particularly large, but they are filling – at least after an appetizer. And if needed, there are plenty of desserts on the menu. A five-course menu is offered for New Year's Eve – you can find more information on their website. Definitely worth a visit. I enjoyed it, especially because it's not quite as touristy as many other Bavarian restaurants in Munich's city center.

I'll be back: Yes. Even though the portions are relatively small, the food tastes very good and the staff is very friendly.

Place visited: Paulaner Bräuhaus
Address: Kapuzinerplatz 5, 80337 Munich
Website

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